Antwerp, Belgium

The UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the Antwerp skyline, but there's so much to this Belgian city than its most famous building.

Highlights include the diamond Square Mile, where travelers can get to the heart of an industry that's been a core part of the city since the 15th century.

There's also the Red Star Line museum, located on Antwerp's old docks, which uncovers the city's past as a hub for migration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Hague, Netherlands

Laid-back city The Hague is far less crowded than Amsterdam.

Pixabay/Creative Commons

As Amsterdam attempts to rein in tourists with plans to close its Red Light District and impose strict rules on short-term lets, the Hague serves as a fabulous, low-key alternative for those still keen on a Dutch break.

The city boasts some of the Netherlands' finest architecture, a pretty network of canals and, in the Mauritshuis, a museum to rival Amsterdam's behemoth Rijksmuseum.

It's also just 15 minutes away from the gorgeous Scheveningen beach resort.

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Sarajevo is filled with stand-out architecture.

Pixabay, Creative Commons

Often snubbed for more popular destinations in neighboring Croatia, Sarajevo is a resurgent city brimful of culture and history.

At its heart is Baščaršija, the old market quarter that still buzzes with spice stalls, cafés and the fascinating Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

Visitors can learn about Sarajevo's four-year-long siege during the 1990s civil war at the Tunnel of Hope and the War Childhood Museum.

Pristina, Kosovo

The Kosovan capital isn't usually at the top of many tourists' destination wish lists, but that's no reason not to visit this fascinating city.

While Pristina may have been synonymous with war 20 years ago, its undergone a major transformation since then, with various quirky buildings popping up.

The excellent Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum is well worth a morning of exploring, as is the superb National Museum of Kosovo.

Pristina University's unique library will fascinate architecture buffs, while those looking to cool off can find solace in the vast pool tucked away in Germia Park, located just north of the city.

Malmo, Sweden

Malmo -- the third largest city in Sweden after Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Shutterstock

Malmo is so much more than a day trip across the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen.

The excellent Moderna Museet Malmo is one of the best contemporary art galleries in Europe, while culture fiends will find succor at Malmöhus Castle, home to several museums focusing on the local area.

The city's food scene rivals the nearby Danish capital -- foodies should check out Bloom in the Park and its "no menu'"concept, as well as the global offerings at Malmö Saluhall.

Meanwhile Ribersborg beach, located just a short walk from the city center, is a wonderful haven from the heat in high summer.

Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen is often referred to as "The Flower of Scotland" thanks to its greenery.

Shutterstock

The hordes visiting the Scottish capital can feel hugely oppressive, particularly during its annual festivals.

However, travelers keen to escape the crowds can simply head north to Aberdeen instead.

The city's amazing architecture has given rise to the nickname "Granite City," with fascinating buildings at every turn.

Aberdeen's main art gallery is due to reopen in November 2019, while those keen to sample the local culture can head out to nearby Speyside for a tour of some of Scotland's best single malt distilleries.

Bern, Switzerland

While travelers often simply pass through the Swiss capital en route to a summer vacation or winter ski trip in Zurich or Geneva, Bern is definitely worthy of a few extra days of your trip.

When the heat rises, locals take to the River Aare for cooling dips and paddle board trips.

Elsewhere, the Museum of Fine Arts features works by Picasso and Klee, while hikers can tramp to the top of the Gurten, the mountain which overlooks the old city.

Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is one of the oldest cities in Poland.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Few small cities in Europe pack a cultural punch like Wroclaw.

This western Polish city, on the banks of the Oder river, served as European Capital of Culture in 2016 and has plenty of attractions for art, architecture and history fanatics to marvel at.

Wroclaw's main highlight is the 114-meter Panorama of Racławice, depicting the 1794 defeat of a Russian army by the Poles.

The beautiful Centennial Hall should also be on any itinerary, as should the Penitent Bridge between the towers of the Mary Magdalene Church.

No visit is complete without a day spent exploring the Gothic Old Town.

Tbilisi, Georgia

The name of Georgia's capital comes from the Old Georgian word "tbili," which means warm.

Pixabay/Creative Commons

The capital city of Georgia, which is actually positioned between Asia and Europe, derives its name from the hot springs that bubble beneath its surface.

Its sulfur baths are a magnet for visitors, albeit far fewer than those that head to the famous spas.

Tbilisi wears its multi-ethnic history with pride -- the famous Metekhi Church, which dates back to the 13th century, sits close to the Narikala Fortress, built by the occupying Persians in the fourth century.

Meanwhile, the rambling alleyways and small shops of the Old Town are perfect for whiling away the hours.

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj-Napoca is filled with fascinating Baroque and Gothic architecture.

Pixabay, Creative Commons

Romania's second largest city is often seen as a stop off for travelers looking for outdoor adventures in the Apuseni Mountains, or those keen to witness Transylvania's historic sights.

But the vast, Gothic St. Michael's Church and the fascinating Fabrica de Pensule, a working gallery and art space in a former paintbrush factory, are just two attractions that make a longer stay essential.

Throw in a thriving café and bar scene and pretty squares, and Cluj-Napoca has all the trappings of the ideal city break destination.

Debrecen, Hungary

Debrecen is a less crowded alternative to Budapest.

Shutterstock

While Budapest has a deserved reputation as one of Europe's most appealing cities, Debrecen is an excellent option for those seeking a less crowded Hungarian alternative.

Kossuth tér, the main square, is home to the impressive Calvinist Great Church and Grand Hotel Aranybika.

Yet it's beyond these major sights that the real action takes place.

The Old Town rewards those looking to get lost with excellent cafés and people-watching spots.

Keep an eye out for smaller spa hotels, with a chance to soak in thermal waters before heading to the nearby Great Plains.